Policies & Procedures

Registration Information and Helpful Tips

Tips for Scheduling Classes:
Courses taken each semester at SLU are measured in “credit hours.” Credit hours refer to the number of hours per week you are in the classroom during a 16-week semester. The majority of courses are 3 credit hours, but there are some that are 1, 2, and 4 credit hours. Consider the following as you develop your schedule:

Most students take between 14 and 16 credit hours per semester (4 or 5 courses), though you may take up to 18. To be considered a full-time student, you need to take a minimum of 12 credit hours. Most degree programs at SLU require at least 120 hours to graduate.

For every credit hour in which you enroll, you need to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours outside of class studying. For example, if you take 15 hours of credit, you should study at least 30 hours per week outside of class! This is a large amount of time, so please consider your study habits, work commitments and goals when planning your schedule.

Class Meeting Times:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday (MWF): Classes are usually 50 minutes in length
Tuesday, Thursday (TR): Classes are usually 75 minutes in length
Monday, Wednesday (MW): Classes are usually 75 minutes in length
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (MTWR): Classes are usually 50 minutes in length

Class Standing:
Freshman: 0-29 credit hours
Sophomore: 30-59 credit hours
Junior: 60-89 credit hours
Senior: 90+ credit hours

How to Register for Classes:

1. Make an appointment with your advisor. You should do this 1-2 weeks before the Registration Period begins, if possible. Plan the classes that you would like to take in advance and bring a copy of your transcript printed from Banner.
2. Meet with your advisor. He or she will approve your choices and give you your PIN number. This number will allow you to register, add and drop classes online. Your PIN number changes every semester.
3. Register for classes in Banner
4. Log in to banner: http://gateway.slu.edu/cp/home/loginf
5. Click on “Tools”
6. Click on “Banner Self-Service”
7. Click on “Student” and then on “Student Registration”
8. Click on “Add or Drop Classes”
9. At this point, you should complete the following steps:
1. Choose the appropriate term (Fall 2011 would be Fall 2011-2012)
2. Enter your PIN number
3. Search for and Select courses: you may do this by entering the course’s CRN (5-digit) number directly, or by searching the entire schedule. In order to search the entire schedule, Madrid Campus students should remember to choose SPAIN in the “Campus” box and MADRID TERM in the “Part-of-term” box.
4. Once you find the course you want, you can either “Add to worksheet” or “Register now.” By choosing “Add to worksheet” you can create an entire schedule and then register for all the classes at once. If you select “Register now” you will register for each class individually.
5. Provided you receive no errors, you have successfully registered. (Check and print your schedule in Banner!)

You may use the same steps to add and drop classes up until the semester begins.

Dropping Classes:
Note: To drop a class you must speak with your academic advisor and complete the appropriate paperwork.

Timing is important!

• If you drop a class during the first two weeks of the semester, the class is simply removed from your transcript.
• If you drop between the second and tenth week of class, you will receive a “W” for your grade. The “W” is a permanent part of your record, but does not affect your GPA.

Benefits of Dropping a Course:

• Dropping a course is better than receiving an “F” for your final grade. An “F” is a permanent part of your record and can drastically affect your GPA.
• If you drop a course that is very demanding you will have more available time to work on your other courses and perhaps improve those grades.
• If you are on a scholarship and must maintain a certain GPA, dropping a class in which you receive a low grade may be necessary in order to meet your GPA requirement.

Consequences of Dropping a Course:

• Dropping a course could affect your financial aid. Check with María José Morell in Padre Arrupe Hall (Admissions Office), or write to financialaid-madrid@slu.edu
• Dropping multiple courses during your four years may indicate a negative pattern to future employers or graduate schools.
• Dropping a course that is a pre-requisite for another course could put you behind in your major, especially if the course is only offered once per year.
• Dropping a course affects the number of credit hours you have completed, and therefore may affect your class standing.

If you are struggling but do not want to drop the class, have an open and honest discussion with your instructor about the course. You may be able to salvage your grade by working closely with the instructor and by improving your performance during the rest of the semester. Also speak with your academic advisor; he or she might be able to help you identify campus resources and support services that can help you.